We’re Not Gonna Fake It

Budget cuts at Detroit’s newspapers; the “fake news” phenomenon; public disdain for “the media” (whatever that means). …

What a great time to be a journalist! But we’re proud to be part of it. After all, freedom of the press isn’t in the first amendment by accident.

We always strive to offer solid reporting, whether it’s from seasoned pros or from those just learning their craft. For example, our look at international issues behind Gregg Ward’s “day job” of transporting hazardous materials comes from longtime newsman Jack Lessenberry, who heads up Wayne State University’s journalism department as his day job. He’s also senior news analyst for Michigan Radio and opines in the Detroit Metro Times.

Speaking of Metro Times, Leyland DeVito recently left Hour to helm the alt weekly. We’ll miss him, but appreciate that he felt compelled to finished his Oakland County Child Killer story. A painstakingly detailed piece like this throws our fact-checking process into overdrive. But it’s what we do.

Our “behind-the-scenes” peek continues with intern Aleanna Siacon, a journalism student at WSU. During her time here, she’s tackled fact-checking, plus stories large and small. Witness her well-researched story on police body cams. Another thing she learned: Filing a 4,500-word first draft is hard. Whittling them down to 1,400 words is even harder. Peeling back another layer, associate editor Jeff Waraniak spent a lot of time helping Siacon do just that. After all, it’s worth taking time away from your own stories to train the next generation.

Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to Detroit Public Television’s Inside Grand Hotel. I can’t wait to see how Oliver Thornton and his team sifted through countless hours of footage to find just the right clips for a one-hour documentary.

I’ll bet Siacon and Waraniak can relate.